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Superbly positioned within footsteps of Galle Fort’s sights, shops, and key landmarks.

Few places in the Asian subcontinent combine culture, history, culinary heritage, and natural beauty more eclectically than the historic port city of Galle. Most come here to visit Galle’s 17th century fort, home to a striking collection of old-world buildings dating back to the British, Dutch, and Portuguese eras.

The fort's atmospheric churches, spice warehouses, art galleries, and cafés are on the doorstep so exploring couldn't be easier. In-house guests can also enjoy complimentary guided walks with our resident historian daily at 7am.

A string of intimate sandy bays for diving, surfing, and embarking on coastal cruises to observe whales and dolphins are a short tuk-tuk ride away.

LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Asia’s only living fort
Under 2-hours’ drive from the airport
Easy access to nearby beaches

GETTING TO FORT BAZAAR

There are multiple ways to reach Galle from the international airport or Colombo city. If you are travelling directly from the airport, it takes approximately 1.5 hours by car, or under an hour by sea plane. The hotel provides private transfers with English speaking drivers.

Alternatively, you can take an express train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Galle which will be just over 2 hours. The train ride offers stunning coastal views but can be crowded and is not always punctual.

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HISTORY OF FORT BAZAAR

Tucked right in the heart of historic Galle Fort, this beautifully restored 17th century heritage property began its life as a merchant’s house occupied by spice, tea, and gem traders.

Neglected since the 1950’s, the dilapidated building was then briefly occupied by Sri Lanka’s first ever Survey Department. Teardrop Hotels discovered the abandoned building in 2006 and took on a long-term lease with the dream of converting it into a boutique hotel. The company tried to get planning permission for two years, but it was eventually obtained only in 2014, and Fort Bazaar finally opened its doors in January 2016.
2008
2023

RESTORING FORT BAZAAR

Forgotten and neglected since the 1950s, it took over nine years of careful planning for the dream of restoring this derelict 17th century merchant’s house to become a reality.

The renovation was complex, and included restoring original Dutch arches, extending roofs, and repurposing roof rafters as well as the addition of new bedrooms, a spa, and rooftop swimming pool.
WEATHER AND SEASONALITY
To make the most of the pleasant weather in Galle and the south coast, the best time to visit is between December to April, and July and August, which are the sunniest months of the year. Even during the rainy months of May, June, September and October, there is still plenty of sunshine and much to see in Galle with the benefit of fewer crowds and lower room rates.
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